Obit: James Clarkson

DIED – In the county of Essex, on the 24th ult. in the 76th year of his age, Mr. JAMES CLARKSON, a native of Manchester, in England, and for nearly half a century a resident of that county. Though Mr C was a weaver (and a very skillful one) – though his lot was humble, and his opportunities were limited, yet by the aid of an active mind and a very retentive memory, he had pushed his acquirements well beyond the narrow bounds of his fortune. With an assiduity which nothing could interrupt; with an inquisitive spirit which nothing could quench; with the aid of a well selected library, which he gradually enlarged out of the small profit of his boon, he had laid up a . . of information, which commanded the respect of all his neighbors. He raised up a respectable family in habits of intelligent industry. He blended with the stores of his understanding such simplicity of manners and artlessness of feelings, that it was impossible not to respect and love him. It is scarcely necessary to add . . to such a man “went down to his grave in peace”, sincerely lamented by all who knew him. Few persons have better deserved to wear Mr Pope’s character of an honest man, than James Clarkson.

Honor and fame from no condition rise.
Act well your part, there all the honor lies.

Enquirer (Richmond, Virginia), 8 October 1824.

Obituary for James Clarkson; submitted by Pamela Hutchison Garrett, 2016; for Family Stories at pamgarrett.com.